Scrape lyrics and build karaoke files

To scrape lyrics and build karaoke files, you’ll typically go through these core steps:

1. Scrape Lyrics from the Web

Note: Scraping copyrighted lyrics may violate the terms of service of websites. Always ensure you have permission or use APIs from licensed providers.

Using APIs (Recommended):

• Musixmatch API – Requires an API key and respects licensing.

• Genius API – Another popular source with official documentation.

• Lyrics.ovh – Free API (limited and may be outdated).

Python Scraping (If no API is available):

Here’s a basic method using requests and BeautifulSoup:

python
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import requests
from bs4 import BeautifulSoup

def get_lyrics(song_url):
    headers = {'User-Agent': 'Mozilla/5.0'}
    response = requests.get(song_url, headers=headers)
    soup = BeautifulSoup(response.text, 'html.parser')
    
    # For Genius.com (example):
    lyrics_div = soup.find('div', class_='lyrics')
    if lyrics_div:
        return lyrics_div.get_text(strip=True)
    return None

2. Create a Karaoke File (LRC Format)

LRC (LyRiCs) files are synced subtitle files used in karaoke software. Format:

scss
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[mm:ss.xx] Line of lyrics

Step-by-step:

• Manually or automatically timestamp each line.

• Save as a .lrc file with the same name as the audio file.

Example:

makefile
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[00:12.00] Hello, it's me
[00:17.00] I was wondering if after all these years

Python Script to Generate Basic LRC File:

python
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def create_lrc_file(lyrics_lines, timestamps, output_filename):
    with open(output_filename, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
        for time, line in zip(timestamps, lyrics_lines):
            f.write(f"[{time}] {line}n")

You must generate timestamps manually or use speech recognition.

3. Auto Timestamping (Optional and Advanced)

You can use libraries like:

• FFmpeg + Aeneas: for forced alignment.

• Spleeter: separate vocals and sync with lyrics using audio analysis.

• Whisper by OpenAI: speech recognition for full timestamped transcription.

python
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import whisper

model = whisper.load_model("base")
result = model.transcribe("song.mp3", task="transcribe")
for segment in result['segments']:
    print(f"[{segment['start']:.2f}] {segment['text']}")

Then convert those start times into [mm:ss.xx] format for .lrc.

4. Software to View Karaoke Files

Use any of the following:

• Karaoke Lyric Editor

• MiniLyrics

• VLC with .lrc support

• VanBasco Karaoke Player

5. Optional: Build Karaoke Videos

You can automate video creation with:

• FFmpeg

• OpenCV + MoviePy

• After Effects (template-based scripting)

Summary Workflow:

1. Scrape lyrics using APIs or BeautifulSoup.

2. Get timestamps manually or use Whisper.

3. Format output into .lrc file.

4. Sync with music player or karaoke software.

If you want, I can help you write a full script that scrapes lyrics from a song name and creates a synced karaoke file using Whisper. Let me know.